Why Winter Tires at Seven Degrees Makes Sense
Why Winter Tires at Seven Degrees Makes Sense
Posted on June 8, 2023
Want to stay safe on the roads this winter? Outfitting your vehicle with winter tires is the best way to do just that. So, when is the right time to put your winter tires on?
The Answer: 7 degrees Celsius… and here is why.
Winter Tires Are Made From a Rubber That Works Best in the Cold
Winter tires are made from a rubber that is softer than what's in your all-season or summer tires. Those tires are made from hard rubber, that gets stiffer the colder the temperature gets. This causes them to lose their sticky, grippy, traction abilities. Meanwhile, winter tires and their soft rubber work better the colder it gets.
The second the temperature hits 7 degrees Celsius, your summer tires become useless on the road, while your winter tires start working at their best.
The Deeper The Tread, The Better
When the snow decides to drop in Alberta, it rarely gives us any warning. However, when the temperature drops below seven degrees, you know it’s coming soon. Wouldn’t it be nice to have your tires ready to go before the roads fill with the dreaded fluffy stuff?
Another positive? Winter tires are outfitted with a deeper tread, which makes mashing through thick snow a lot easier. It also maximizes the amount of rubber touching the road while still pushing away snow, slush and rain with every turn of the tire.
Quicker Stopping Time Could Save a Life
The Britain Auto Express Magazine compared a set of winter tires to summer tires on wet pavement at 7 degrees Celsius. The results are remarkable! When the vehicle with the winter tires braked at 80 km/h, the stop took 35.5 metres. When the vehicle with the summer tires braked on the same wet pavement, it took 42.5 metres to stop, equaling a 7 metre difference.
To put it into perspective -- the Wall of China is roughly 7 metres high. Think about that difference the next time you are in a slippery situation and you need to come to an immediate stop. Sliding 7 more metres could be a matter of life-and-death
Hydrophilic Rubber Was Made For This
Every drive you take, you will eventually come into contact with moisture on the road -- even in the coldest temperatures. The thing is, moisturizer acts as a lubricant which can be very dangerous when you need your tires to grip the road. Luckily, Toyota-approved winter tires are coated in hydrophilic which works like a sponge soaking up that moisture and giving your tires the ability to grip at its most optimal.
Winter Tires Have Sipes and Sipes Make All the Difference
Those tiny little grooves inside your winter tires are called sipes. When the sipes in your tires come into contact with the roadway, they open up and suck water into them. As the tire rotates, the sipes eventually spit the water droplets out behind the tire. This incredible feat of engineering allows your winter tires to avoid dangerous situations like hydroplaning or black ice and keeps your tires gripping at its most optimal.
Buying New Winter Tires For Your Toyota
One of the most important reasons we think there is to get winter tires is for the sheer peace of mind. The scientific evidence that backs up how much better winter tires are than summer tires is astounding. The next time you hit a snow covered highway or navigate an icy neighborhood road, wouldn’t you want the comfort of knowing you have the best tires on your vehicle for the job?
Our Toyota Parts Department is proud to carry a wide selection of Toyota-approved winter tires for Toyota models including trucks, SUVs and compact cars. We also carry winter tires for other makes and models, and our knowledgeable team of tire experts can help you pick out the perfect tire for your vehicle. Shop online or Ask a Tire Expert today!